The Tunnel Creek Trail climbs 1170' in 1.45 miles to reach the PCT at Hope Lake. The PCT turns south for 3.05 miles through intervals of forest, meadow and big open slopes to the unmarked spur down to Trap Lake.

The lake is confined on three sides by the cirque, but a small open area near the outlet offers plenty of space to camp and cast for Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Room to roam is otherwise limited, so multi-day backpackers may wish to spend just one night and press on to Surprise and Glacier lakes (west of Trap Pass) for more open settings.

Visitors will enjoy diverse terrain and compelling landscapes on the hike to Trap Lake. A recreation Pass is required to access the Tunnel Creek Trailhead:

The Tunnel Creek Trail heads SE on a steep, straightforward climb. Thimbleberries are abundant along the way, but watch for commingled devils club when picking. It hops a rocky ravine (.98 miles : 3,960') and steepens to the Wilderness Boundary just before reaching the PCT junction and Hope Lake (1.45 miles : 4,386').

Follow signs (south) on the PCT for Trap Pass. The PCT rises past Hope Lake on moderate switchbacks that open across a broad, brush and talus bowl (2.4 miles).

It arcs over the bowl with views, then dips and rises through intervals of berry-filled glades, swales and patchy forest (2.5 miles - 3.5 miles 5,070'). Serviceable campsites with varying degrees of water access and quality can be found on this segment.

The trail emerges from thin timber and cuts straight across steep, open slopes with terrific views of the Trapper Creek valley and surrounding peaks (3.7 miles : 5,170'). Summer flowers and autumn colors are exceptional on this .3 mile stretch.

The trail crosses a swale then steepens to an unmarked fork (4.5 miles : 5,305'). The left fork winds steeply down through dense forest to Trap Lake (4.75 miles : 5,157').

It's not a problem if you miss the fork, as the lake comes into view shortly past it and you'll know to backtrack. The spur twists down to the outlet and a small meadow with room for tents. You'll have to negotiate brush and talus to access more of the shore.